Want to find out more about the man behind the mic? In a detour from the usual PodCrash format, it’s time for Olympic cyclist and PodCrash co-host, Callum Skinner, to get a grilling!

Ben Nichols (our guest from Episode 14), takes on the role of interviewer in this special episode and delves into why Skinner retired from elite cycling  in March 2019 and what he’s been up to since.

Looking back, Callum describes the long build-up to Rio’s Olympic Games as the ‘ultimate distraction’ in life. But what happens when it’s all over? He gives an insight into what it’s like to win medals at the world’s biggest sporting event and the transition back into training once its all over.

“It’s quite easy to put them [athletes] on a pedestal and say they’re invincible but, ultimately, athletes can be some of the most insecure people you’ll ever meet and that’s because they’re judged on their last performance.” - Callum Skinner

With a frank discussion on mental health, Skinner opens up about the pressure athletes face to perform. He also explains more about Rule 40, a by-law of the Olympic Charter that restricts non-official sponsors from using Olympic-related terms. With many athletes relying on sponsorship from smaller companies, Skinner raises some compromises that could lessen the impact on an athlete’s earning potential.

Nichols also asks Skinner about his passion for athlete activism, where he’s been working to improve collaboration between athletes and sporting bodies to raise standards. He also talks more about his role with the UK Anti-Doping Committee, a surreal trip to the White House and collaborating with Science in Sport and Vaaru.

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